Trial of Power (Part 2)
The chamber fell silent as the relic dimmed, its activation complete. Akane staggered slightly, his body trembling. The heavy use of his powers—Dominion Flames, Malignant Aura, and Devour—was taking its toll. Sweat dripped down his face, his breathing shallow.
"You okay?" Adewan asked, steadying his younger brother.
"I'm fine," Akane muttered, though his voice was strained. "Just… used more than I should have."
Kane frowned, noticing the faint flicker in Akane's crimson eyes. "You need to rest, Akane. Don't push yourself too far."
Sylis's team had already retreated, their confidence bruised but their determination still intact. The brothers exchanged a glance before turning toward the relic. Adewan gently lifted it from its pedestal, its faint golden glow reflecting in his calm gaze.
"The mission is a success," Adewan said, his voice steady. "Let's get this back to the clan and deliver the message."
Back at the Clan
The brothers returned to the clan, the relic carefully secured. Elders and fellow warriors gathered around them, murmuring in awe at their success. Adewan handed the relic to one of the Elders, who nodded approvingly.
"Well done, Adewan. This will strengthen the clan's position," the Elder said.
Kane crossed his arms. "We'll continue to prove why we're the best."
Adewan, however, noticed Akane leaning against a pillar, his exhaustion evident. "Akane, take some time to recover. You've earned it."
Akane smirked faintly. "I'll be fine. Just give me a minute."
Arteon's Summons
As the clan celebrated the brothers' success, Adewan—referred to by the Elders as Arteon when addressing his role as a strategist—was summoned by his father. The summons came as no surprise; their father was known for his strict teaching methods.
Adewan entered his father's chambers, where the elder Light Elf sat at a massive table covered in maps and strategy guides.
"You did well on this mission, Adewan," his father said, his tone firm but approving. "But strength alone isn't enough. A leader must know strategy, must think ahead."
Adewan nodded. "I understand, Father. What do you need me to do?"
"For now, study these maps," his father instructed, gesturing to the table. "Learn the territories, the alliances, and the weaknesses of our enemies. When the time comes, I'll test your knowledge in the field."
Adewan bowed. "Yes, Father. I won't let you down."
Kane Checks the Ranks
Kane, curious about their standing after the mission, made his way to the clan's central hall, where the ranking board displayed the positions of various teams. He approached the massive board, his halberd slung over his back.
Scanning the list, Kane frowned when he found their team's name.
"We didn't climb much," he muttered, frustration evident in his tone. "Even after that mission?"
A nearby warrior overheard him and chuckled. "It's not just about success, Kane. Consistency and reputation matter too. One mission won't change everything."
Kane sighed, his grip tightening on his weapon. "Then we'll just have to keep proving ourselves."
As he turned to leave, he muttered under his breath, "Thanks for watching, I guess."
Cain Reunites with an Old Friend
Cain, the strongest of the brothers, wandered the training grounds, his sharp senses picking up on the movements of warriors sparring. His attention was drawn to one figure in particular—a tall, imposing man with a confident stance.
The man turned, and Cain's eyes widened in recognition.
"Jarek?" Cain said, his voice filled with surprise.
The man smiled, stepping forward. "It's been a long time, Cain."
Jarek had been a close friend of Cain's in their younger years, but something about him had changed. His presence was more commanding, and his aura radiated immense power.
"You've… grown stronger," Cain said cautiously.
Jarek smirked. "I've been training, pushing past my limits. Unlike you, Cain, I've had to fight for every ounce of strength I've gained."
He flexed his hand, and dark energy swirled around it, crackling like lightning. "This is my power now—Eclipse Strike. It's not just destructive. It's adaptive, like me."
Cain's eyes narrowed. "You've been busy."
Jarek laughed. "And what about you? Still coasting on natural talent?"
Cain bristled at the comment but forced himself to relax. "Let's just say I've been holding back."
Jarek leaned closer, his voice low. "You should stop holding back, Cain. There are people out there stronger than both of us. If you're not careful, you'll fall behind."
As Jarek walked away, Cain clenched his fists. His friend was stronger, but Cain wasn't one to be left behind.
"I'll surpass you," Cain muttered, his determination burning brighter than ever.